AUSTIN, Texas  Epicor Software Corp. has announced plans to hire more than 100 U.S. military veterans, “wounded warriors” and active duty personnel transitioning into the civilian workforce over the next 12 months as part of the company’s new Hiring Heroes Program.

In addition, Epicor President and CEO Joe Cowan issued a call to action to challenge U.S.-based Epicor customers to join in the initiative to make job opportunities available to the men and women who have proudly served the nation.

Over the next four years, more than 1 million servicemen and women are expected to be leaving the military and entering the workforce. Many of these men and women will have a difficult time finding jobs in the civilian workforce. According to the Labor Department, the unemployment rate for veterans is 6 percent and 650,000 are jobless.

”We at Epicor recognize that veterans’ military training has instilled in them a strong work ethic, solid organizational skills and exceptional leadership experience that makes them very well-equipped for success in the corporate arena,” Cowan said. “We appreciate their sacrifices and service to our country and feel that one of the best ways we can thank veterans is to give them a new career opportunity. The Hiring Heroes Program enables Epicor to tap this underutilized and very experienced talent pool while giving back to the service community.”

The Hiring Heroes program makes opportunities available to veterans through a focused effort to recruit, network and engage in partnership with Hirepurpose and other veterans groups. Through this engagement, Epicor connects with the veteran community to make prospective candidates aware of the program and available opportunities. Epicor also has launched a new dedicated military career site, www.jobs.epicor.com/military, where veterans and active military members transitioning into civilian life can view open positions that may fit their skills profile and experience.
Cowan will give an overview of the program at Epicor Insights 2014, the company’s global customer conference, which takes place next week.

Organizations interested in learning how they can join in the initiative can sign up online at the www.jobs.epicor.com/military career site to receive more information.

“Epicor’s commitment to hiring military veterans underscores the talent and dedication of the men and women coming out of today’s armed forces,” said Zachary Iscol, founder and CEO of Hirepurpose. “It is an honor for us at Hirepurpose to help bridge the divide between modern military veterans and the amazing companies like Epicor that will benefit greatly from their skills and experience.”